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CURRENT FIRMWARE VERSION - 2.2.1        13 MARCH 2010


NEW - WAITERS LANDING GEAR CONTROLLER

Automation Direct PLC

I've developed a model that will work on almost every conceivable retractable landing gear system and configuration;

     Nose gear retracts for parking (most EZ canard aircraft, LongEZ, Cozy, Velocity, E-Racer, Aero-Canard, etc.)

     Need to compress struts prior to retract (Infinity Gear)

     Retractable mains only (taildragger i.e. P51)

     Tricycle retract (Baracuda), etc. etc.

All versions are exactly the same and offer the same features (They all use the same PLC and same firmware). An "Installation Bit" is set in firmware to tell the PLC what aircraft its installed in, and how it should behave.

LongEZ - Cozy - Berkut - Velocity (Canard Aircraft style)

The biggest difference will those Canard aircraft with the Infinity Gear installed. Specificately, the need to compress the struts prior to retracting the gear.

If the configurations "Installation Bit" is set for an Infinity Gear, then the Y4 output of Waiters Landing Gear Controller is used to control the Strut Valve, and you will not have the automatic Speed Brake retract feature.

If the configurations "Installation Bit" is NOT set for an Infinity Gear, then the Y4 output of Waiters Landing Gear Controller is used to control the Speed brake Retract relay.

Standard Tricycle gear or Tailwheel retractables

If you need the nose gear to operate in conjunction with the mains, and don't want to retract the nose gear on the ground, then This will also work for you.

If the configurations "Installation Bit" is RESET (C121) The nose gear follows all main gear operations (Retract / Extend).

If the configurations "Installation Bit" is RESET (C122) This tells the controller that the nose gear actuator is Hydraulic and is operating in conjunction with the mains.



SINGLE GENERIC CONTROLLER

This new model is a simpler version of my original "Waiter's Landing Gear Controller". This model uses a smaller (about 1/2 the size) PLC (ABOVE) Model # D0-05DR-D from Automation Direct. However, the firmware for this model still retaines most of the features as my original "Model LE-1"

GNU General Public License I've released this firmware under a GNU license. You are free to copy and distribute the software under the terms of the this license.

You can Download and review the Electrical Drawings, Controller Manual, PLC Firmware AND companion software, Waiters LG Monitor, used to monitor and/or help in troubleshooting installation electrical problems.


         Waiters_Landing_Gear_Controller_Electrical                 Waiters_Landing_Gear_Controller_Manual                 Waiters_Landing_Gear_Control_Monitor


COMMON FEATURES:

* Power up self test that protects against switches in "illegal" positions (i.e. switch in "RETRACT" position when airplane is parked on the ramp)

* Stringent Interlocks to prevent accidental gear retraction.

* One switch "UP-OFF-DOWN" handles both the mains and the nose gear, Including allowing nose gear extension / retraction while on the ground. (Canards that need to park with the nose gear retracted)

* Modified Infinity Gear Strut compression algorithm.

* Alarm monitor for CANOPY OPEN when taking off

* Alarm monitor for GEAR NOT DOWN when landing

* Alarm MUTE disables the ALARM for 10 seconds (Does NOT disable the Canopy alarm)

* EMERGENCY RETRACT - Covered switch overrides ALL safeguards and retracts the gear.

* Emergency electrical MAIN and NOSE Gear extension bypasses the controller.

* Emergency electrical Strut extension bypasses the controller.

Waiters Landing Gear Controller and Monitor * Waiters Landing Gear Monitor Software.

Companion software runs on a PC / Laptop. Waiters Landing Gear Monitor connects to the Waiters Landing Gear Controller via the PLC PORT 2. The Controller outputs the status of its I/O flags, and firmware version number once a second. The Monitor software displays this status in a user friendly manner that can be used during installation, troubleshooting, or operation of the Landing Gear.


OK, So how do you get it:


GNU General Public License

If you wish to use this controller, I've made the firmware available under a GNU license agreement.

1) The documentation that I provide is of sufficient detail that a person with basic electrical installation skills should be able to connect the PLC and the interfaces. You can review the ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS here, and review Waiter Landing Gear Controller MANUAL here.

I believe its easier to install this system, than to install the systems it will be replacing. However, this is a complex system, if you are not comfortable with how this system is installed or operated, then please do not proceed.

2) Because I have ZERO control over the end use, how its wired, the quality of installation materials or workmanship. I simply cannot supply any HARDWARE warranty.

COST OPTIONS - FREE

You can download the firmware and load it into your PLC. There are two ways to do this:

  1) You need a full copy of DirectSoft32, the demo version won't do it. If you use DirectSoft32, you can view and edit the actual code. You can purcahse this software from Automation Direct.

  2) Enclosed in the ZIP file is a utility called DNLoader. Although you can't see or edit the program, this utility will allow you to load the firmware into your PLC - READ the enclosed READ-OR-ELSE file on how to do this.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, I can offer you a couple other options:

1) Send me your PLC (D0-05DR-D) AND Input card (D0-10ND3), I'll test it, if OK, I'll flash the program into memory, then retest it, and mail it back to you. ($50+ postage)

2) I'll supply you with the PLC (D0-05DR-D) AND Input card (D0-10ND3) that has been flashed and tested. ($250 + postage)

3) PLC (D0-05DR-D) AND Input card (D0-10ND3) , Relays w/pigtails (6), Momentary DTDT Center OFF Switch (1), starter relays (2), Diodes ($350 + postage)

CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS / QUESTIONS

waiter@iflyez.com




REVISION HISTORY



2.2.1    13 MAR 2010    Turn off Y3 if nose is hydraulic.
2.2.0    28 Feb 2010    Add C121 and C122 for Nose gear.
                   Split or combined Nose operation, Hydraulic or Electric Nose Actuator
2.1.4    10 Oct 2008    Correct X106 input for Infinity Strut Switch

2.1.3    12 July 2008    Add Configuration flags to allow NO or NC hydraulic switches
                   Add the Throttle IDLE into the nose gear ground safety loop
                   Add Serial data output on COM 2 (Monitor IO and Configuration status)

2.1.2    31 MAY 2007     Correct for N.C. vs N.O. on the Hydraulic switch.

2.1.1    29 MAY 2007    Stuck MUTE button alarms ½ sec ON ½ sec OFF

2.1.0    26 MAY 2007    Change logic of Canopy Open and Airspeed Sensor

2.0.1    23 MAY 2007    INITIAL RELEASE

1.1.2       BETA NOT RELEASED







































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Waiters GPS Set Time program.
Waiters Flight Data Recorder.
Flight Data Recorder.
Recording aircraft flight data.
Aircraft Voice recorder.
Garmin GPS.
Garmin GPS Serial data Format.
Recording EFIS data.
Capture Serial data.
Convert Raw Data Files.
Free GPS Software.
Reading GPS data.
Reading Garmin GPS data.
Aircraft EFIS Flight Instruments.
Electronic Flight Instruments.
Aircraft Engine Monitor System.
Garmin G format.
Infinity landing gear LongEZ Plans Built Airplane.
Oil Heat system for Homebuilt airplane.
LongEZ Canard and main Wing.
Dynon instrument panel.
Custom Mouse cursors.
Garmin Serial Data Format.
Easy, Free Computer Time setting by GPS Receiver.
Custom mouse pointers.
Custom airplane mouse pointers.
LongEZ Nose gear doors.
Long-EZ main landing gear doors.
LongEZ grasscutter landing gear door.
Custom LongEZ mouse pointers.
Lycoming engine in LongEZ.
MT Propellor with 6 inch propellor extension.
EZNose Lift retractable nose gear for Long-EZ.
Rutan LongEZ is a plans built aircraft.
High speed homebuilt airplane.
Retractable landing gear for LongEZ.
Custom Airbus mouse cursor pointer.
Custom Velocity mouse cursor pointer.
NMEA 0183 Serial data Format.
Custom Cozy mouse cursor pointer.
Custom Aerocanard airplane mouse cursor pointer.
Custom E-Racer mouse cursor pointer.
Custom Canard airplane mouse cursor pointer.
Custom LongEZ mouse cursor pointer.
Set your Computer clock with this free GPS software.
Custom F15 mouse cursor pointer.
Custom A10 Warthog mouse cursor pointer.
LongEZ Hydraulic pump.
Retractable landing gear for a Long-EZ.
Custom F16 mouse cursor pointer.
Custom F14 mouse cursor pointer.
Custom Boeing 747 mouse cursor pointer.
Custom Boeing 767 mouse cursor pointer.
Custom Boeing 777 mouse cursor pointer.
Custom Boeing 737 mouse cursor pointer.
GPS Time Sync.
Custom Boeing 727 mouse cursor pointer.
Landing gear door rigging.
Custom Boeing 757 mouse cursor pointer.
Custom MD80 mouse cursor pointer.
Custom DC9 mouse cursor pointer.
Setting your computer to a GPS Time.
Custom RV mouse cursor pointer.
Downdraft cooling for LongEZ.
Speed brake installation.
Waiters Flight Data Recorder.
LongEZ Baggage pods installation instructions.
Waiters Custom Airplane mouse cursors.
Free GPS Time Sync Program.
LongEZ Intercom installation.
Major airframe overhaul of plans built EZ.
Weight and balance for a LongEZ.
Weight and Balance spreadsheet download for a Long-EZ.
LongEZ fuel system design.
How To remove the wings from a LongEZ.
How To remove the canard from a LongEZ.
Waiters GPS Time sync program runs on PC.
How To remove the engine from a LongEZ.
Long-EZ Downdraft cooling for a Lycoming O-320.
Long-EZ Wing Removal and installation instructions.
Waiters Retractable Landing Gear Controller.
Landing Light installation in LongEZ.
Install free EFIS software on your PC.
How to Put several longezs in one hangar.
How to install an Infinity Aerospace Retractable landing gear in a Long-EZ.
How to install DownDraft cooling on a Long-EZ.
GPS Time.
Setting you computer clock to GPS time.
How to set your Computer clock to GPS Time.
Using your GPS Receiver to set your computers clock.
Low cost GPS receiver used to syncronize Computer clock to GPS time.
Neat Canopy stay system for an EZ.
Cabin Heat using engine oil as source.
Waiters GPS Time, Syncronize your PCs internal clock with the GPS satellite.
Remote display of EFIS on a PC.
Cabin Oil Heater for a LongEZ.
LongEZ Landing Gear Door.
Rigging a LongEZ Landing Gear door.
Icom Radio in LongEZ.
How to Build a Manometer.
LongEZ Electrical system upgrades.
Grand Rapids EMS.
Custom Windows cursors.
Custom Windows mouse pointers.
LongEZ Cowling for downdraft cooling.
Record holding LongEZ flights.
Using a PLC for a retractable Landing Gear Controller in a LongEZ.
Syncronize your PCs clock to a GPS receiver.
Airspeed vs pressure lookup tables.
How to build a homebuilt airplane.
Video of LongEZ taking off.
Grasscutter landing gear door.
EZ Nose Lift installation.
Landing Gear status indicator.
Shareware software can set your PC clock vie a GPS receiver.
Landing Gear controller computer for LongEZ.
Landing gear doors.
Dynon EMS10 installed in instrument panel of a LongEZ.
Dynon EFIS D10A installed in instrument panel of a LongEZ.
Flight Data Recorder Software.
PlansBuilt LongEZ.
Video of High G turn in a Long EZ.
Strong Pitch Trim system installed in a LongEZ.
Strong Pitch Trim mounted on Left Side of Long-EZ.
Free software sets your PC clock with a GPS receiver.
Video of LongEZ Taking off.
Video of LongEZ Landing.
Video of LongEZ performing a high G turn.
Video of Infinity Landing gear being retracted into a LongEZ.
LongEZ Color White.
Painting your LongEZ.
White LongEZ.
Camoflage LongEZ.
Infinity Landing Gear for LongEZ.
Strong Pitch system.